BARBARA, Frank Joseph Barbara

Born on February 9, 1940, in Paola, Malta, Dad grew up alongside his six brothers and sisters. He loved sharing stories of growing up in Malta with his siblings and cousins, and those tales instilled in us a deep appreciation for the importance of family. It was never surprising to hear Dad say, “Let’s go see John and June” or “Lourdes and Leli” on a Sunday afternoon. Finding the Barbaras and Bonellos gathered together for a summer BBQ on a Sunday was a frequent occurrence—and those afternoons remain some of the best memories we share.

In 1958 as a young man of 18, Dad immigrated to Canada. His father encouraged the move since Dad already had an aunt and a brother in Oshawa. It wasn’t until years later when he applied for his Canadian citizenship he realized he was celebrating his birthday on the wrong date and he was a year younger than he thought. Frank Joseph Barbara took odd jobs to survive, but finding steady work was tough, so he decided to try his luck in Winnipeg. As Dad always said, he didn’t last long there because it was “too cold and too boring,” and he soon returned to Oshawa. Somewhere along the way, he discovered his love for Thoroughbred horse racing—quite possibly the only thing he loved more than his family (just kidding!).

Dad met the love of his life in 1964 at a dance at the Red Barn, and before long, they started a family together.

Growing up, we always took a family vacation every year, whether it was a weekend at Woodbine or a camping trip—which we only later found out Dad actually disliked! But he did it anyway, simply because we wanted to go.

One memorable year, Rob and Dad went to the racetrack, and Dad won a windfall. That summer, the whole family—Mom, Dad, Rob, Lori, and Lisa—flew to Malta. We can’t remember ever seeing Dad happier, except perhaps when his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. It was an amazing trip, and having Dad show us all the places where he played, lived, and grew up in Malta created memories that will remain special to us forever.

Dad wasn’t born into wealth and often shared memories of how his family struggled at times. That history drove him to work tirelessly to provide for us, always making sure we had everything we needed.

The hardest day of Dad’s life was the day we lost Mom. She was his home for over 35 years. When asked why he never dated again, he simply said, “Whoever I dated, I would compare them to your mom, and that wouldn’t be fair.” We cherish so many sweet memories of them—sitting together in our big living room chair, or Dad walking past Mom and giving her an affectionate tap on the bum.

We find immense comfort in knowing Dad is now reunited with Mom, likely dancing in Heaven (we all know what amazing dancers they were). We know he’s bragging about his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids, and watching Northern Dancer and Secretariat run the track.

Predeceased by his dear wife Lorna. Beloved father of Rob Barbara (Ruth), Lori Barbara, and Lisa Swanson (Scott). Cherished grandpa of Katie, Brandon, Maddie, Kyle, Adley, and Dean, and great – grandpa of Blake, Claire, Owen, and Noah. Survived by his siblings Ludgarde Grech, Carmen Spiteri, Fred Barbara, Joseph Barbara, Lourdes Barbara and predeceased by John Barbara.

A Celebration of Frank’s life will take place on Thursday August 6th, 2026, at (THORNTON CEMETERY & FUNERAL CENTRE, 1200 Thornton Road North, Oshawa, 905-579-6787) at 11am, with inurnment to follow.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Frank’s honour, please consider The Canadian Cancer Society.

Dad was so deeply loved by many, and he loved just as deeply in return.

Rest in peace, Dad.xxoo